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Erdafitinib

Brand name: Balversa
Oral tablet: 3 mg, 4 mg, or 5 mg
Drug class: multikinase inhibitors

What is Erdafitinib?

Adults can use erdafitinib to treat bladder cancer that has spread to other areas (metastatic) or is too large to be removed by surgery.

Erdafitinib may be prescribed if the cancer you have has a genetic marker (a "FGFR" abnormal gene) and if at least one platinum cancer drug has failed to work or stopped working. This gene will be tested by your doctor.Erdafitinib can be prescribed after other treatments fail.The FDA approved erdafitinib on an "accelerated basis". Some people have responded to erdafitinib in clinical studies. However, further studies are required.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of erdafitinib.

Side effects of Erdafitinib

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.If you have symptoms such as numbness or tingling around your mouth, muscle stiffness, or body aches, a data-type="auto" href="https://www.drugs.com/cg/itchy-skin.html"> itching or rash (https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/rash.html) or tiredness and trouble sleeping; nausea (https://www.drugs.com/healthguide You should tell your doctor about any symptoms you experience, such as tingling or numbness around the mouth, body aches or itching, a rash, or tiredness.

Erdafitinib can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Vision problems, vision loss;
  • Eye pain or redness
  • If you have problems with your toenails or fingernails, they may include: pain, bleeding, separation from the skin (nailbed), unusual breaking, changes in color or texture of your nails, cracks, or infections within your cuticles.

If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be permanently stopped or delayed.

Erdafitinib can cause a variety of side effects.

  • Dry eyes
  • Mouth ulcers,.
  • Hair loss;
  • Dry skin or problems with the fingernails and toenails
  • Redness, swelling, blisters, or pain on your palms or soles
  • Muscle pain;
  • Feeling tired
  • Abnormal liver or kidney function tests
  • Low red blood cell count due to low sodium levels
  • Symptoms of nausea include stomach pain and a loss of appetite.
  • Diarrhea, constipation,
  • Changes in your sense of taste

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Similar/related drugs

Keytruda, pembrolizumab, cisplatin, nivolumab, doxorubicin, Opdivo, and Adriamycin

Warnings

Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.

Before you take this drug

If you've ever had any problems with your vision or eyes, tell your doctor.Before starting the treatment, you may need a negative pregnancy result.The use of erdafitinib by either the mother or father can cause birth defects or harm to an unborn child.Continue to use birth control at least one month after you have taken your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking erdafitinib, tell your doctor immediately.Do not breastfeed for 1 month after the last dose of this medication.You may find it harder to fall pregnant if you use this medication. You still need to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as the medicine may harm an unborn child.

How to take Erdafitinib?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Take erdafitinib in its whole form once a day, with or without food.Do not take another dose if you vomit soon after taking Erdafitinib. Do not take another dose until you have taken your next scheduled dose.You may be asked by your doctor to use synthetic tears or another lubricating eye medicine every two hours when you are awake. Use these medications as prescribed by your doctor.You will be required to test your blood frequently. If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be permanently stopped or delayed.You'll need to have frequent vision tests.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for urothelial cancer:

Increase to 9 mg once daily, based on serum levels of phosphate and tolerance at 14–21 days. Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities
Comment
selecting patients for treatment based on the presence or absence of FGFR-susceptible genetic alterations detected in tumor samples by an FDA-approved companion diagnosis.
Use: To treat adult patients with metastatic or locally advanced urothelial cancer who have FGFR3 and FGFR2 genetic mutations and who progressed after or during at least one prior line of platinum-containing therapy, including within 12 months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the missed dose until you remember. The next day, take your dose as usual. Avoid taking two doses on the same day.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid this

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

  • Medicines that can change the phosphate level include potassium-phosphate supplements, vitamin D supplements, antacids, and laxatives.

Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may also affect erdafitinib. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.